West Ham chief backing Pardew to finish the job

West Ham managing director Paul Aldridge came out in support of manager Alan Pardew on the eve of their Championship visit to leaders Ipswich.

Pardew has taken some fierce criticism from a section of the Upton Park crowd this season and Aldridge said: "There has been a lot of negativity around the place since we went down and it is still there at times.

"Alan has not only helped me come to terms with the financial realities of relegation, he has also rebuilt the team.

"That is a tough remit. Yes, the team have lacked consistency but we have still only lost once in the last six matches and we're still in touch. I know the players are positive and determined to do it for him."

Pardew was also at pains today to assure fans that he will not be selling highprofile players during the transfer window.

"Matthew Etherington, Nigel Reo-Coker or Marlon Harewood will not be be going," he said. "The fees they would command are insignificant compared with the £25million at stake for going back up."